Cash-ing in on digital: Thailand handout boosts seniors with 10,000 baht

The Government of Thailand announced the second phase of its digital cash handout, offering 10,000 baht (US$290) to over 4 million citizens aged 60 and above. This initiative, approved by the economic stimulus policy committee, aims to support vulnerable elderly individuals by leveraging a budget of 40 billion baht (US$1.16 billion).

The decision follows a meeting chaired by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand, where the need to assist older adults was highlighted. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Pichai Chunhavachira, stated that the programme targets those aged 60 and above, with an estimated three to 4 million eligible individuals. The government plans to implement this phase by the upcoming Chinese New Year.

Julapan Amornwiwat, the Deputy Finance Minister, emphasised that not all individuals over 60 will automatically qualify. The programme specifically targets vulnerable elderly groups who have registered through the Tang Rat application, ensuring they have not received the initial phase funds. The app serves as a gateway to verify eligibility and secure the funds.

A financial aid recipient must be registered with the Tang Rat app, and those who received funds in the first phase are excluded. The criteria ensure the aid reaches those most in need and not those already assisted previously.

The initiative aims to reach individuals with an annual income not exceeding 70,000 baht (US$2,025) and bank savings capped at 500,000 baht (US$14,475). Cash will be transferred directly to recipients’ PromptPay accounts, linked with their national ID numbers, before the next Chinese New Year, dated before January 29.

The programme excludes individuals currently serving prison sentences or those previously disqualified or required to return funds under other state schemes.

For those not using smartphones, the Deputy Finance Minister assured that the government would soon facilitate registration for these individuals. Ensuring system security and stability remains a priority, with discussions of a sandbox approach being considered to test the system’s robustness in the second quarter of the upcoming year.

The Finance Ministry is tasked with overseeing the disbursement to eligible seniors, who must meet specific criteria, ensuring transparency and fairness in the process, reported KhaoSod.

Exclusions apply to those whose annual income exceeds 840,000 baht (US$24,320) or those with bank deposits exceeding 500,000 baht (US$14,475). Additionally, individuals currently incarcerated or otherwise restricted from receiving government support will not qualify for this phase.